Melania Trump’s Priorities Unchanged By Move To White House

“We are enjoying it very much…I’m so busy.”By Jack Davison June 26, 2017 at 8:29am

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First lady Melania Trump’s top priority now that she has moved into the White House is the same as when she was living at New York City’s Trump Tower — her son, Barron.

“I am a full-time mom; that is my first job. The most important job ever,” Melania told Parenting.com. “I think the number-one parenting secret is that it is so important to have good listening skills. I listen to what he says, what troubles him and what he is excited about. Then I can guide and support … I love every minute of it.”

Those who know her doubt she will be the leading light of the Washington social scene.

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“I don’t know anybody in New York who knows her or ever sees her socially, and I suspect that will be the same here,” said Sally Quinn, an author and Washington hostess.

Spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham said Melania Trump will become more active once Barron is settled into his new home.

She “is taking some time to get Barron settled into his new home and she continues to be thoughtful and deliberate about her platform,” Grisham said.

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Carl Sferrazza Anthony, a historian with the National First Ladies’ Library, said privacy for the first lady is possible because the White House has “a lot of spaces that would allow her full privacy both indoors and outdoors. It’s just hard to imagine that it’s going to be frustrating.”

“We are enjoying it very much,” she told Fox & Friends last week, saying that Barron “loves it here.”

She said she did not miss New York City.

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“I’m so busy, and we’re doing so many great stuff,” she said. “(The White House is) a really special place.”

Melania Trump filled a key role in the White House last week with the appointment of Timothy Harleth as chief usher. The chief usher oversees all of the staff who work in the residence portion of the White House. Harleth had been the director of rooms at Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C.

“I am so pleased that Timothy will be joining our team,” she said. “He was selected because of his impressive work history and management skills. My husband and I know he will be successful in this vital role within the White House.”

“I am so honored at the opportunity to serve the first family in their new home,” Harleth said. “I look forward to applying my experience with hospitality, leadership and political protocol in order to ensure the first family’s needs are met, while also protecting and preserving the rich history of the White House. I am excited to work alongside the accomplished and professional staff who are already in place.”

Harleth will bring more than a decade of hospitality and leadership experience to the White House.